DP Kithure Kindiki tells off ‘Mr Yes Man’ critics

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addressing Kenyans during the second day of President Ruto's development tour of Mt Kenya, April 2, 2025/DPCS

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has told off critics of his loyalty to President William Ruto.

Speaking in Mwea, Kirinyaga county on Wednesday, Kindiki said the leaders who criticise him and refer to him as ‘Mr Yes Man’ are mistaken.

He said they should not forget that even President William Ruto was loyal to former President Uhuru Kenyatta for the two terms he was in office.

The DP insisted that one must be loyal and assist the President for things to get done and to deliver in their agenda.

Kindiki added that he should also not be taken for a fool because he knows what he is doing.

“Some are ridiculing me for being loyal to the President. They are saying I'm a ‘Mr Yes Man’. The President was himself a loyal, Mr Yes Man, to former President Uhuru Kenyatta for 10 years.

“I'm not stupid, I know what I’m doing. You must be loyal to the President to get things done and assist the President deliver on his agenda for the country,” the Deputy President said.

Kindiki who formerly served as Interior Cabinet Secretary was picked by President Ruto to be his second-in-command following the impeachment of second Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Critics termed Ruto’s choice of Kindiki as one aimed at ensuring he won't be challenged in decision making.

Opposition leaders have on many instances used this narrative to launch attacks against the Deputy President.

This was after Gachagua claimed that he was ousted after he questioned some decisions the President made, including in the Cabinet.

Kindiki’s remarks come a day after he said that together with other leaders in government, they will not waste time responding to critics who have no better alternative for Kenya.

He insisted that his job is to assist, support and defend the President but not to fight him.

The DP affirmed that he remains firm in sticking to his core mandate of supporting and defending the President.

“Some people are advising me to fight the President. My job is to support the President, to defend him, to work under him with my colleagues to make sure we follow through the President's promises and deliver development to the people of Kenya,” Kindiki said on Tuesday.

He also assured President Ruto that he will remain firm and stand against such forces.